Can I use my insurance to pay?
We can provide you with a “super bill” which is something you can provide to your health insurance provider to possibly be reimbursed depending on the kind of health plan you have. Services can also be paid for through your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account. If these services are not otherwise offered by your mental health coverage we can work with your insurance company to establish what is called a “single case agreement”. Please feel free to contact us for additional questions.

How often do I go therapy?
The frequency of your therapy appointments will differ based on your needs. Weekly appointments are the most common, although, some people attend every other week while others find it useful to come twice a week based on the issues being dealt with at the time.

How long does each appointment last?
Standard sessions are 50 minutes. This will allow me 10 minutes to write case notes and prepare any other paperwork necessary for your treatment. When EMDR interventions are being used, some sessions may be scheduled for 90 minutes.

How do I schedule therapy?
Send me an email at info@sfcounselinggroup.com, or call me us at 415-691-7123 and we can schedule an initial consultation. You can also use the contact page to take the first step in setting up an appointment.

Where does therapy take place?
Individual therapy for adults and most sessions for children and adolescents will take place in our office. On occasion therapy may take place in the community or in home but this is only when treatment needs require alternative locations and confidentiality is made possible.

How much will it cost?
Our standard fee is $200.00 per hour, if money is a concern for you there is always room to discuss reduced fee services. We can discuss payment and cost during your initial consultation or appointment scheduling.

Therapy can be paid for with cash, check, or credit card. We are also happy to help you find out if your insurance plan will reimburse you for some of your cost of therapy. If you have been the victim of a crime, witnessed a crime, or are a family member of someone who was victimized you may qualify for free therapy through the Victims of Crime Compensation program. We can help you find out if you qualify for this compensation.

Your insurance may cover our services and you may be able to pay through your Health Savings or Flexible Spending accounts.

Do you prescribe medication?
No, a counselor or therapist cannot prescribe medications. Only a medical doctor can do this. We often refer people to a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation if it appears necessary. Entering therapy does not automatically mean that you will need medication.

How long will therapy last?
The length of therapy will be determined on a case by case basis based on your needs and your goals. You are the initiator of your therapy and have the right to terminate therapy at any time. Clearly defined goals set at the beginning of treatment will allow you to see how your treatment is progressing and thus determine when termination is appropriate. Some people enter therapy for a few months and others find it useful for a much longer period of time. That decision is discussed in the beginning sessions when establishing your treatment plan and will continue to be discussed as therapy continues.

The San Francisco Counseling Group serves San Francisco and other communities in the surrounding counties (Marin and the East Bay) including Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Brisbane, Corte Madera, Daly City, Foster City, Hayward, Hillsborough, Larkspur, Millbrae, Mill Valley, Oakland, Pacifica, Piedmont, Redwood City, San Carlos, San Mateo, San Rafael, San Bruno, South San Francisco and Tiburon. We provide counseling, therapy, psychotherapy and EMDR to children, adolescents, parents and individuals. We can help you find your way through anxiety, depression, relationships, grief and more.